1. Thank you for coming out on this cold December morning. Many of us, students AND professors, have a tough time making it to an 8:00 class on Monday mornings. It takes a little extra effort-leaving the warmth of our beds to brave the wintry weather. So having you join us, bright and early, for this presentation on campus policy recommendations is great. It is my pleasure to be here.

2. But here at Regal University, handicapped students report being unable to even get to class. This is because of uncleared snow left to pile up on ramps, entrances, and walkways. According to the National Climatic Data Center, our winter season’s average temperature is twenty two degrees and we have an annual snowfall of over seventy eight inches. We must come up with a workable solution to enable all students to access the campus and classrooms safely. The snow creates a dangerous situation often blocking entrances, prohibiting wheelchairs from entering. Angie, a fellow classmate of mine, was injured when she tried to get through the snow last week. Her wheelchair tipped over. She will not be back this semester. According to campus security, during November and December alone, four student injury reports involved ice or snow covered ramps.

3. Barrier-free access to public buildings is required. The uncleared snow is a barrier. We are in violation of the 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act. This is a civil rights act that was passed by Congress and signed by the president. It is not a suggestion. It is mandatory. This act states that, “People with disabilities have the right to full and equal access to any facility or accommodation of any public place.” Accepting tuition from handicapped students and then not providing safe access to the classrooms for instruction is like having a customer pay for a brand new car, but not providing keys to the vehicle.

4. The solution is to clear the snow in appropriate areas when it accumulates to one-half inch or more. Areas that need plows to clear snow should be identified and prioritized. My proposal adds ramps and curb cutaways to the priority list of areas. I have been told by grounds safety supervisor, Steven Adams, that parking lots and stairs are the only areas currently set as a priority.

5. Please help me educate the board members and leaders of our university. Encourage them to change our snow removal plan. I have petitions on the back tables. Your signature marks your commitment to barrier-free access at Regal University. All students should be able to get to their 8:00 a. m. classes!

Which statement from the passage BEST supports the author's belief that threats to the natural world are rising?

A) According to the plan, one thing state and local leaders should do is properly care for parks, forests, rivers, mountains, and wildlife.

B) Also, big companies clear two million acres of American land each year to make room for homes and businesses.

C) By spending time in the great outdoors, people can see the natural wonders America has to offer.

D) Today's children spend about half as much time outside as their parents once did.